Do I Have to Become a Physician with a Medical Degree?
Once you can take a temporary temperature and blood pressure, you are on your way to a healthcare career. However, depending on the role you are interested in, your educational requirements can vary greatly. If by 'medical professional' you mean someone in charge of making a diagnosis, deciding a treatment, and delivering it, this typically requires well-established qualifications and a license, such as a medical degree. But if you mean healthcare personnel that extends beyond physicians, the requirements can also include degrees and certifications, though in some countries, these do not necessarily require university degrees.
The least educational requirements for people working in a hospital are for those in charge of moving patients from one place to another and cleaning staff. Both roles are essential for the effective functioning of a hospital.
Education Requirements
Yes, you do need a degree, as well as experience, to work in the healthcare field. However, many people with medical degrees choose to work in other fields, as medicine, like any profession, offers a variety of opportunities beyond practicing as a physician.
Many people with medical degrees leave the field to work in different industries, including research, academia, and public health. For some, the freedom to choose an alternative career path is essential. If people with medical degrees were mandated to work as doctors, it would be akin to a form of slavery, limiting their professional freedom and career choices.
M.D. vs. Other Doctorate Degrees
M.D. stands for Medical Doctor, but in our Western culture, the title 'doctor' more accurately means 'teacher' or 'professor.'
A Doctorate degree in the Western academic world doesn't necessarily pertain to healthcare for humans. In universities, you can study many different topics and earn a Bachelor's degree in just four years, a Master's degree after two more years, and a Doctorate degree after even more years of study. None of these degrees inherently grant the right to practice medicine, surgery, or psychiatry.
To practice medicine or surgery on humans legally, you must attend medical school and complete an internship and residency. Many doctors and surgeons also pursue a Fellowship degree in their specialty. Additionally, you must pass government examinations and continue your medical education (CME) throughout your career. In the USA, specialties require periodic reexamination to continue practicing medicine.
This seems quite confusing, but it's essential to understand that in order to practice Medicine, Surgery, or Psychiatry on humans, you must obtain an MD (Medical Doctor) degree. However, the common term we use "I went to the doctor" is a shortened form of 'Medical Doctor.' Technically, this is not accurate.
For instance, my daughter-in-law is a PhD (Doctor) in Virology from Harvard University. She has studied for many years and works conducting research into viral genetics, potentially developing a vaccine to combat the COVID-19 virus. She studies herpes viruses and teaches at the postgraduate level as a scientist. She is not a Medical Doctor and has no legal ability to see patients or treat their diseases.
You can also become a Doctor of Engineering or even a Doctor of Archaeology, both of which are valid doctorate titles but do not allow the practitioner to see or treat humans.